Communication Process – How it Works, Examples

Establishing strong communication channels is important for any workplace. Whether you work in a small team or across an organization, a good communication process makes a big difference.

This article aims to explain the importance and process of communication. Read on to understand communication processes, communication channels, and how they work together with examples

In daily life, communication occurs multiple times a day. This is especially prominent in business settings. To enhance the effectiveness of communication with others, it is important to understand the mechanics of the communication process.

This article explains what the communication process is, the elements that constitute the communication process, and how it functions.

What is the communication process?

The communication process refers to a series of actions and procedures taken to ensure the success of communication. It involves elements such as the sender and receiver of a message, the actual message being sent, as well as procedures like message creation and decoding.

Within the communication process, various channels must also be considered. Channels are the means by which messages are sent and can include audio, video, email, fax, body language, and behavior.

The ultimate goal of the communication process is to provide information to individuals or groups who are the receivers of the message and ensure that they understand it. For the communication process to function effectively, the sender needs to choose appropriate means of communication.

Components of communication

Communication consists of multiple elements that enable the transmission of messages. Specifically, these factors include:

• Sender: The person who is trying to convey the message to the receiver.
• Message: Information that the sender is trying to convey to the receiver.
• Channel: The route or means by which a message is conveyed.
• Recipient: The person receiving the message.
• Feedback: A response may be given as feedback from the receiver to the sender. This is the start of the conversation.

How the communication process works
For communication to be successful, it is important to understand how it works. The communication process consists of seven steps:

• The sender thinks about the content of the message.
• sender composes message
• Choose the channel the sender uses to communicate
• Messages move through communication channels
• the message reaches the recipient
• the receiver decodes the message
• If there is feedback, the receiver returns it to the sender.

1. The sender thinks about the content of the message.
The communication process begins with the sender thinking about the information they are trying to convey to a person or group other than themselves. At this stage, the sender is thinking about the basic theme of what they want to convey to the receiver.

2. The sender composes the message
After thinking about the content of the message, the sender converts it into a form that can be communicated to people. For example, if you are writing a letter, convert the content of your message into verbal form.

In addition to sounds and symbols, messages may also be conveyed by nonverbal means such as facial expressions and gestures.

3. Choose the channel the sender uses to communicate
The sender then chooses the most appropriate channel to send the message. Examples include oral, written, electronic, and nonverbal communication.

When communicating at work, be sure to choose appropriate communication channels that are appropriate for the business situation.

4. Messages move through communication channels
Once you’ve chosen your channel, it’s time to start the process of actually sending your message. The process varies depending on the channel you choose. To get your message across correctly, you need to choose the right channel.

5. The message reaches the recipient
The message is then delivered to the recipient. Specific ways to receive messages include listening to, reading, and feeling messages.

6. Receiver decodes message
The next step is for the receiver to decode the sender’s message. In other words, the receiver interprets the message and converts its content into abstract concepts. Once the message is decoded, the receiver analyzes it and attempts to understand it.

For a communication process to be successful, it is necessary that the sender and receiver’s interpretations of the transmitted message agree.

7. Give feedback, if any, from receiver to sender.
Finally, unless communication is one-way, the receiver provides feedback in response to the sender of the message. This feedback allows the receiver to tell the sender that they have correctly received and interpreted the message.